Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed as “false” and “misleading”, a report by an online publication linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the publication also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry”.
Gusau added that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers “is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public”.
He called on all peace-loving citizens “to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever”.
The DHQ further urged members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by what it described as purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation, reaffirming that “the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”.
Nigerian Pilot reports that rumours had emerged that no fewer that 16 top officials of the Nigerian military have been arrested and detained at a facility in the nation’s capital Abuja, over an alleged plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.
According to local online platform, Sahara Reporters which quoted military “top source”, the detention of the personnel is connection with a coup attempt contrary to a military press release which said their detention is due to “repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation”.